Saturated fat intake is reduced in patients with ischemic heart disease 1 year after comprehensive counseling but not after brief counseling

Objective To examine the dietary habits of patients with ischemic heart dis ease 1 year after they received either dietary advice on using the Plate Mo del and how to increase intakes of fruits and vegetables in a 10-minute ses sion (brief counseling group, BCG) or dietary advice primarily based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Step I diet provided in 2 individua lly tailored 50-minute sessions held 3 months apart (comprehensive counseli ng group, CCG). Design A randomized study that included dietary intake evaluation on basis of 7-day weighed food records completed at 3 occasions: immediately before counseling (week zero), 12 weeks after counseling, and 52 weeks after couns eling. Subjects BCG was composed of 15 men and 2 women and CCG was composed of 16 men and 3 women with ischemic heart disease age 70 years or younger recruit ed from the Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, D enmark. Statistical analyses performed ANOVA, unpaired t tests, and multiple regres sion analysis, as well as nonparametric statistical analyses were carried o ut. Results The comprehensive counseling resulted in significant improvements f rom week 0 to 52 in the percent of energy from fat (33% to 28%), saturated fat (12% to 9%) and carbohydrate (51% to 54%) consumed by the subjects. The corresponding values in BCG did not differ significantly (31% to 32%, 11% to 12%, 53% to 52% respectively). Differences from week 0 to 52 between gro ups were significant for fat, saturated fat, and carbohydrate intake. In CC G, median intakes of fish, fruits, and vegetables were 44 g/day, 172 g/day, and 315 g/day, respectively, at week 52. The corresponding values in BCG w ere 44 g/day, 129 g/day, and 224 g/day. There was no significant difference either within or between the groups. Conclusion This study suggests that sustained improvements in dietary behav ior require individualized and. reinforced counseling in patients with isch emic heart disease. Changes in intakes of fish, fruits, and vegetables need to be specifically targeted.